A robust low pressure system lifting north and east through southeast Canada will continue to produce lake effect snowfall and snow across the Interior Northeast.
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Due to the tight pressure gradient from this system there will be strong/high winds that will cause blowing and drifting of the newly falling snow and that already on the ground.
Blizzard Warnings, Winter Storm Warnings, Winter weather Advisories and High Winds Warnings blanket much of the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, Ohio Valley and parts of the Northeast.
Enhancement from the ice-free Great Lakes will aid in producing 2-4 foot totals in favored snow belts.
Even where lesser accumulations occur, heavy snow rates combined with wind gusts of 40+ MPH will result in blizzard conditions.
In some spots, the wind gusts could approach or exceed 60 MPH resulting in damage and power outages.
Extremely Dangerous Travel with Whiteout Conditions where blizzard conditions occur, expect periodic whiteouts with near-zero visibility and considerable blowing and drifting of snow.
Traveling in these conditions will be extremely dangerous, to at times impossible.
The Arctic blast that has been felt by a large portion of the country cold front will spread to the eastern states.
Dangerously cold wind chills across much of the central and eastern U.S. this holiday weekend.
The life-threatening cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills will create a potentially life-threatening hazard for travelers that become stranded, individuals that work outside, livestock and domestic pets.
If you must travel or be out in the elements, prepare for extreme cold by dressing in layers, covering as much exposed areas of skin as possible and pack winter safety kits in your vehicles.
In some areas, being outdoors could lead to frostbite in minutes.
Ensure outdoor animals and livestock have sufficient shelter.
Coastal and inland flooding threats for the Northeast from heavy rain falling onto a melting snowpack will enhance flooding impacts.
Moderate to isolated major coastal flooding is forecast due to strong onshore winds.
Temperatures across a vast portion of the CONUS is expected to moderate next week back to near seasonal normal to above-normal values by midweek.
Warmer, moist air streaming inland across the Pacific Northwest will overrun cold air trapped in valleys which could yield mixed precipitation or significant icing.
Freezing rain potential will extend to northern Idaho and western Montana as well.
Low pressure will develop over parts of the Northern High Plains on Christmas Day and move into the Northern Plains that evening.
The warm air associated with the low will move over the cold air trapping the cold air near the surface.
As a result, the rain will fall over the area producing areas of rain/freezing rain over parts of the Northern High Plains on Christmas.
Furthermore, as the system moves farther eastward, snow will develop over parts of the Northern Plains and the Upper Mississippi Valley. ■